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Partners in Sustainability

August 29, 2014

Sustainability for an organization can come in many forms – through a broad, sweeping initiative or smaller projects that set a positive example for others to follow.

That’s how I viewed a project in our Mohegan Council in Worcester, Massachusetts, which partnered with SunEdison and others to power up a 35-acre solar array at its Treasure Valley Boy Scout Camp. It’s a strong example of how one of our nearly 300 councils across the country can work with community partners to provide a sustainable source of energy that’s also generating revenues to help support the camp’s future.

The solar project has been described as “a landmark of successful solar policy,” according to a newspaper story quoting Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai, whose company built the solar array. SunEdison Managing Sales Director Steve Raider described the solar project’s use of less expensive, green energy as “changing lives through innovation.”

SunEdison will sell solar energy produce by this array to a local school district, a water treatment district, and an education collaborative. In turn, the Mohegan Council receives a sustainable source of income from these revenues to support its Scouting programs.

Scouting can provide life-changing experiences in many ways, whether it is working directly with young people to teach the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, or helping to improve the communities they serve. This sustainability partnership speaks volumes about how organizations working together can make a positive difference across many levels.

I encourage you to look at how you can work with corporate and municipal partners in your communities to produce success stories like this. Please share these accomplishments to give others ideas on how to grow their sustainability efforts.